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The best weekend getaways in the US are as rejuvenating as the most languid vacations spent abroad. You really don't have to go far or dedicate overly long stretches of time on your calendar to tick those boxes off your bucket list. The nation has handsome mountain ranges and beautiful beaches, historic landmarks and vibrantly diverse cities, Michelin-starred restaurants and secret holes-in-the-wall you'll want to keep all to yourself, all just steps away from any given corner. You just have to know where to look.
We’re here to help. We took five of the country’s major hubs and found four weekend getaway ideas for each that range from hours-long road trips to hops and skips just 30 minutes away. Below, we share our picks for the best weekend getaways around the country, plus tips on where to stay and the best things to do while you're there. Get ready to travel more like never before.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
From Los Angeles
Catalina Island, California
Take the one-hour journey to this island 22 miles or so off the coast via the Catalina Express ferry, which departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point daily; once you’re here, biking and walking are the main transport modes (or you can rent a golf cart for longer drives). Catalina Island is a startling contrast to the mainland, with more than a whiff of East Coast hideouts like Nantucket: Start at the quaint main town, Avalon, and gorge on seafood that’s barely minutes from the water—try Bluewater Grill, right on the dock.
Then head inland to El Rancho Escondido, which earned acclaim for its Arabian horse-breeding program. The ponies are gone now, though, and much of the land has been deeded over to vines, where Rusack Vineyards focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Outdoorsy types can hike the entire length of the 38.5-mile Trans Catalina Trail in about four days, too, with campgrounds for overnighting along the route. The Bellanca Hotel in Avalon is the plushest perch if you’d rather have someone else make your bed—or sleep in a bed, period.
Santa Ynez Valley, California
Head north on the 101, and a few Joni Mitchell albums later, you'll find yourself falling for the back-road charm of this California wine region. While Santa Ynez still feels like a tucked-away gem on the Central Coast, it's not exactly unknown—after all, Sideways, Hollywood's 2004 love letter to oenophiles was filmed here. The region's modesty has shielded it from the overtouristed woes of Napa and Sonoma and has allowed it to grow into its idiosyncratic own with a colony of small towns unafraid to show off their personalities. Take Buellton for example, whose main claim to fame is OstrichLand USA where visitors mingle among the long-necked residents, or Solvang, a countryside escape replete with windmills and rickety clock towers plucked straight from Denmark.
The valley is so much more than wine—though you would be remiss to skip out on a bottle of velvet-smooth Chardonnay. To make the most of the experience, stay at an establishment like the Hotel Ynez, a property that takes its guests back to the rustic cowboy roots of the valley. Located in Los Alamos, you can breathe in the heritage of the American West in all its kitsch and glory.
San Diego, California
Beaches and green spaces are the defining assets of San Diego, just under a two-hour drive south of LA. There’s the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve—kayak through the wetlands for an up-close view—and a namesake golf course with two 18-hole championship courses perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific; stay at the Arts & Crafts-style Lodge at Torrey Pines, right by the 18th green. San Diego has 75 miles of coastline, featuring plenty of noteworthy beaches, most of them studded with surfers—hit Moonlight State Beach if you want to head out on the water, rent fishing gear, or snap a shot with the iconic Hotel Del Coronado as a backdrop from Coronado Beach. And even if San Diego has 24/7 beach weather, don’t forget: This is the Christmas Capital of America.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
With your passport at the ready, one of the many perks of being an Angelino is the ease of whisking yourself away to Mexico for the weekend. The Valle de Guadalupe sits in the northern Baja peninsula like an inset gem, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortéz and bracketed by craggy mountain views. This is a destination for the epicurean, as it's steps away from Ensenada, a port welcoming fresh-from-the-ocean seafood and fresh produce even the pickiest of locavores would give a nod of approval to.
If you're looking for the coziness of mom-and-pop bed and breakfast, your search stops with Villa Matilda. It's all the cool adobo walls and paneling made from dark knotty pine you could dream of. Our favorite part about this stay is the breakfast staff deliver right to your door.
From Chicago
Southwest Michigan
Saugatuck and its surroundings in Southwest Michigan have recently attracted newcomers due to a focus on the state’s extraordinary produce (Michigan is second only to California in agricultural diversity). Drive two and a half hours to eat at the delicious, diner-like Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions from chef Melissa Corey, or taste some of the estate-grown vintages at Modales Wines. Work off your meal with a bracing hike to the top of Mount Baldhead for spectacular views. You’ll find all that in this corner of Michigan, plus the perennial bonus of gleaming beaches, charming all-American coastal towns, and the best sundowner spots in the state overlooking the lush waters of Lake Michigan.
Lakeshore State Park, Wisconsin
While Milwaukee may be better known for its rich custards and Harley-Davidson Museum, don't skip out on Lakeshore State Park on your next visit to Brew City. Nature lovers are spoiled by 22 acres of meandering trails and paths that hug around Lake Michigan. Whether you're itching to go on a scenic walk through the Oak Leaf state trail, or you're more of an angler chasing the thrill of the catch, consider this not-too-far escape from the city. For an authentic taste of Midwest history, book a room at Brewhouse Inn and Suites, a 90-room hotel converted from the original Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery.
Door County, Wisconsin
Much like Cape Cod curls into the Atlantic, this 75-mile peninsula juts into Lake Michigan like a raised finger, and it shares much with its New England counterpart. First emerging as an artsy summer colony, it has sandy, family-friendly beaches—more than 50 public ones—and 300 miles of shoreline. Come to Door County to amble around its galleries, or hike around the 14 miles of trails quilting its eastern tip in Whitefish Dunes. Make this a long weekend, as it’s almost a four-hour drive from Chicago, and don’t leave without making a pilgrimage to the Swedish restaurant Al Johnson’s, famous for the herd of goats grazing on its grassy roof.
Holland, Michigan
The hills are alive with the bloom of tulips. Holland, Michigan, emulates to a tee its European eponym (located a few hundred miles to the north of Salzburg's rollicking hills), and its Netherlands pastiche is an image complete with tulips as far as the eye can see. The best time to visit this quaint town is undoubtedly in May during the annual Tulip Town Festival where attendees can pick around the market, spectate the costume competition, or take a flower arranging class. Enjoy the darkened sky in the absence of big city lights on the porch of Castle in the Country, a century-old Victorian house painted powder blue.
From Washington, DC
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
It’s a long drive—around six hours—Cape Hatteras is still one of the best weekend getaways from DC, thanks to the astonishing views and bracing air of the Outer Banks. The 70-mile-long National Seashore here was the first in the country and is anchored by the landmark Bodie Island Light Station, the tallest lighthouse in the U.S. with more than 200 stairs. Head to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum for a glimpse as to why these waters earned that nickname—more than 600 shipwrecks caused by treacherous, shifting shoals. Then again, with the right captain, you can brave those waters yourself on a fishing charter that can easily reach the Gulf Stream. The choice hotel is the charming Inn on Pamlico Sound; wake up with its seaside view, and you’ll understand how worthwhile it is to splurge on a sound-front room.
Loudoun County, Virginia
This county about an hour east of the nation's capital is anything but quiet. You could fill tomes with the history Loudoun County has played an integral role in making, or fill your weekend exploring all the exciting new offers it has in store. If you're more interested in the former, spend a day strolling the streets of Leesburg or Middleburg for a self-guided architecture tour of the still-standing colonial buildings and inns that line the town. Visitors searching for the fresh and new will be pleased with the sleek design stores and experimental restaurants making the most out of the bounty harvested by the nearby farmland like Leesburg's Tuscarora Mill Restaurant. For a place to retire right in the center of it all, opt for the Red Fox Inn and Tavern in Middlesburg, which was founded in 1728 and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Yes, it’s an eight-hour drive to reach this ridge, but the jaw-dropping scenery will make the effort more than worthwhile—and we’re not just talking about the sight of a statue of Dolly Parton as you reach the end, erected in her honor in the legend’s hometown of Sevierville.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the NPS network (and free to enter, too). It spreads across 500,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, straddling two states; the easiest entry point from DC is the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg. Once you’re in the park, start walking: There are 800 miles of trails in total, including a portion of the official Appalachian Trail. You can also enjoy a guided tour on horseback operated from several stables dotted around the reserve; just make sure to call ahead and book. The peak times for visiting include leaf-peeping season, of course, plus early summer, when the flame azaleas are in bloom. This is a year-round park, though, with plenty to enjoy even in winter, when the views from high perches like Clingman’s Dome are particularly impressive. In season, you can camp at one of ten different grounds (reserve a spot here) or book a room at one of the hotels in Gatlinburg, which effectively serves as a resort community adjacent to the park.
Shenandoah Valley
John Denver sure knew what he was crooning about when he sang of the Shenandoah Valley's breathtaking Blue Ridge which makes for striking scenery with each turn of the area's winding country roads. Skyline Drive is especially nice for leaf-peeping in the fall and traces along Shenandoah National Park. With frequently placed lookouts, this is the kind of drive where you won't miss the opportunity to stretch your legs. Make sure to bring your camera too—the way is peppered with natural landmarks like caverns and natural bridges. For the full live-and-breathe experience of the valley, take reprieve at Lewis Mountain, which offers one-and two-bedroom cabins with air conditioning.
From Miami
Key West, Florida
The so-called Conch Republic has made its name as a kooky hideaway for America’s eccentrics—it even declared independence from the U.S. for a few days in 1982. It retains that offbeat, end-of-world appeal thanks to enduring sights like BO’s Fish Wagon, a bar on the waterfront that could be mistaken for a junkyard; but the last decade has seen a major upgrade in the accommodations on offer here. Try The Reach, the adult-aimed sister spot to the Waldorf Astoria located next door, which has its own private beach. Walk over to the Bahamian Village, with its ice cream-colored cigar makers’ cottages, and spend a lazy brunch (heck, the whole afternoon) al fresco at Blue Heaven, surrounded by its flock of resident chickens.
Cassadaga, Florida
The hub of Volusia County, just east of Orlando and around four hours from Miami, is Cassadaga—a town whose residents will likely know you’re coming. Homes here are occupied by psychics and folks who generally believe in life after death, reincarnation, and the power of the spirits. Come to the Spiritualist Camp and check out the list of mediums and healers taking bookings that day, working on everything from past life regression to aura photography. One standout is Louis Gates, who grew up here as the child of two psychics; ask him about his childhood, as he has intriguing stories about life in Cassadaga, as well as a sixth sense ($50 for a half-hour session). There’s also a hotel in town.
Combine a look into your future with a glimpse at Orlando’s past: The Downtown Orlando Historic District is full of grand old mansions that offer a glimpse of how things used to be. This self-guided walking tour will let you explore all the best landmarked properties at your own leisurely pace.
The Everglades, Florida
It takes barely an hour to hit the entrance of Everglades National Park from Miami, an almost 4 million-acre swampy prairie filled with rare crocodiles and dozens of remarkable birds. Skip the most popular route along the Tamiami Trail, and instead duck in just past Homestead at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center entrance, which is the best way to reach Flamingo, the only settlement actually inside the park. From there, it’s a windy, 40-minute drive south to the tip of the Everglades. There are trails en route—Nine Mile Pond is a canoeing trail even newbies can manage—before you hit the 19th-century settlement, named after the pink birds that flock here (likely not actually flamingos, but roseate spoonbills, though that’s not quite as snappy a placename).
Take boat tours of the backcountry from the marina in Flamingo, or book a houseboat to get some sleep and keep exploring the next morning. Just remember to wear long pants and pack industrial-strength bug spray in abundance—the mosquitoes can be a menace here, year-round.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you don't entirely wish to unplug from Miami's scene, but you're looking to embody some of Palm Beach's refinement, Fort Lauderdale has you covered. Zoom across town on a water taxi and arrive at Flagler Village where you can window-shop the many art galleries. And don't miss out on a tequila tasting at Lona Cocina Tequileria where the lobster quesadillas wash down nicely with the $5 margarita happy-hour special. The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale is a class act in hospitality with a beachfront and floor-to-ceiling windows built for guests to soak up the views.
From Dallas
Round Top, Texas
If whimsy were a place, it would be this offbeat town three hours south of Dallas. It becomes an antiquing hub each spring, luring 200,000 or more shoppers to browse the bric-a-brac, but there’s also superb shopping year-round at stores like the 1920s-era farmhouse Townsend Provisions. Hotel Rancho Pillow is the mascot for Round Top, a riot of bohemian color where owner Sheila Youngblood rents an eclectic assortment of accommodations on her 20-acre homestead. Ask about the sheet-rocked teepee, and try riding the mechanical bull if you dare.
Waco, Texas
No need to fear the tourist trap here—the city that Chip and Joanna Gaines renewed in the pop culture consciousness is at once warm and welcoming and quirky and fun in a way that doesn't feel forced. Not a Fixer Upper fan? That's just fine as everyone can appreciate a stroll through Baylor's campus on an autumnal afternoon, or a day spent poking around oddities and antiques with a warm latte in hand. Waco is the best reminder that no amount of HGTV could come close to experiencing the real thing. About 20 minutes out from Waco, the Magnolia House is a quaint Joanna Gaines-approved dream with five rooms and a porch fit with rocking chairs made for evenings spent with a summer read.
Palo Duro, Texas
This, the second largest canyon in America after the Grand Canyon, is a suitably epic Panhandle destination about a six-hour drive from Dallas. It’s worth every minute on the road once you’re standing by the 120-mile gash in the earth that plunges almost 1,000 feet. Come to hike, bike, and ride horses; there are almost 90 miles of trails in the state park, with the most popular runs located along the floor of the canyon. Offset the exertion by hunkering down at one of the chic cabins at Dove’s Rest, with a superb view out across the canyon proper. Each cabin has a propane grill and fire pit so you can BBQ each night under the stars.
Frisco, Texas
Even for the Dallas-based who can't spend an entire weekend, Frisco is a convenient 30-minute drive away, making it a hit with the day-tripping crowd. Historically, there wasn't much here but farmland, but in recent years, a multi-million dollar practice facility for “America’s Team” has led to an influx of new restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment possibilities, while still preserving that small-town Texas feel. A recent Readers' Choice awardee, Hôtel Swexan melds the sophistication of Switzerland and the hospitable charms of Texas (Sw-exan, get it?). Think a 20th-floor pool bar, high end weekend tea service, buzzing lower-level lounge, and a signature steakhouse that features its own HWD Premium Beef.
